The Ringer NBA Show

Logan and Raja are here with the Friday vibes. They begin the show by reacting to Anthony Davis’s comments about his preference to play the 4 (5:55). They also discuss possible centers that the Lakers could acquire. Then Raja provides a temperature check on how Miami Heat fans feel about Jimmy Butler now that he’s been suspended a second time (17:29). After that, they discuss some of the politics behind All-Star voting on the players' side, specifically in relation to LaMelo Ball and Victor Wembanyama not starting (34:11). They wrap up with their Real Ones of the Week (45:50). Get your tickets to the live show at Punch Line San Francisco on February 15 here. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are back this week with their Eastern Conference All-Stars (2:55). They run through their selections for starters, reserves, and wild cards. Then Rob and Wos have a take-off where Justin judges each of them on one new take and decides which one is better (55:16). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Howard Beck start the pod off with a deep dive on the Warriors following their MLK Day 125-85 blowout loss to the Celtics (2:55). Howard then announces his All-Star ballot and gives his take on why he chose those players for the game (35:51). Logan is then joined by Bomani to discuss the current political climate and how the NBA and the players are handling the transition to Trump's presidency (1:08:28). Get your tickets to the live show at Punch Line San Francisco on February 15 here: https://www.universe.com/events/the-ringer-nba-show-real-ones-live-tickets-9NVPKF Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck Guest: Bomani Jones Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s Friday vibes here on Real Ones as Logan and Raja fire up their mics to discuss just how good the Thunder really are after their big win over the Cavaliers (0:00). After the break, they discuss how the Kings look so far under Doug Christie (0:00), just how nasty things are in Golden State (0:00), and the Timberwolves’ frustrating season (0:00). They add in some football talk with their NFL divisional round playoff picks (0:00). And in ‘Real One of the Week’ they discuss the discourse between Jimmy Butler and Pat Riley, plus Shaq’s comments on Jamal Murray (0:00) Hosts: Logan Murdock & Raja BellProducer: Brian H. Waters Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are in the All-Star spirit, so it is time for them to make their picks. They start out in the loaded Western Conference to break down (and, of course, debate) which players they would each pick as their starters (10:30), reserves (35:23), and wild cards. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney and Wosny Lambre Producer: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The pod opens with Raja, Logan, and Howard discussing a video of Raja getting hyped on the court after his son had an intense game versus another good player in Miami (00:57). The guys have a spirited conversation on how and why LaMelo Ball is getting so much All-Star love (6:09). The Pelicans suspended Zion Williamson on Friday prior to their matchup against the Sixers for a violation of team policies, but this has been a pattern for Zion. What’s next for his career and for the Pelicans (32:49)? Jimmy Butler wants out of Miami. Should he be careful about how he’s viewed across the league in requesting a trade (44:46)? The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos kick off the week by taking a closer look at a handful of teams to answer an all-important question: “Is this anything?” They start by talking about the recently resurgent Indiana Pacers and Tyrese Haliburton’s hamstring injury (7:31) before getting into the Miami Heat’s three-game win streak and Tyler Herro’s potential All-Star resume (22:03). Then, they discuss Paul George’s boredom playing center (34:45), the Kings’ turnaround under Doug Christie (44:09), and LaMelo Ball’s popularity in the league (50:55). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja start by talking about the Cavs’ historic start to this season and whether they should aim for the best regular-season record ever (9:40). Then they talk about another crazy Anthony Edwards dunk, and Raja talks about defending dunkers (23:02). After that Logan talks about his piece for The Ringer about LiAngelo Ball’s hit song, which leads to a discussion about hip-hop and music in general in the NBA (34:12). They wrap up with their Real Ones of the week (47:27). ‘Real Ones’ will be live at All-Star Weekend in San Francisco! Get your tickets here. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos discuss the Cavs' impressive win over the Thunder and whether they think any differently about those two teams (10:20). Then, they talk through how to fix three middling teams, attempting to save the Timberwolves (45:13), Warriors (58:27), and Bulls (1:06:53). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan finally makes his return from paternity leave, and Howard quizzes him on what’s been happening during this NBA season (15:41). The MVP race has been tight, but who truly deserves it (22:58)? An NBA All-Star revelation leads to a spirited discussion on whether the league is promoting the correct things (27:55). Raja’s Suns and Bradley Beal are at odds, but Beal holds all the cards with a no-trade clause. What’s next for both parties (38:55)? Plus, the mailbag and some love for Gelo’s new track bringing back the '99 and 2000s. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos come together and talk about some of the biggest stories in the recent NBA news cycle. They discuss where Jimmy Butler will land (4:05), Wemby vs. Jokic (38:50), and Kawhi Leonard’s return (57:06). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard and Raja are joined by three-time Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford. They start by talking about his transition from basketball to being in media and the differences between working in studio and on the broadcast (14:57). Then they talk about Jamal’s workouts with Victor Wembanyama over the summer and what that was like (23:02). Then they wrap up with their thoughts on Jimmy Butler officially wanting out of Miami (33:23), how good the Knicks are (46:59), and Jamal and Raja talk about when they knew it was time to retire (57:35). Hosts: Howard Beck and Raja Bell Guest: Jamal Crawford Producer: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos turn the page and welcome the new year with six questions to monitor at the start of 2025. They discuss contenders in the east (7:03) and west (29:15). They talk about which L.A. team can go farther in the playoffs (38:37), a refresh to their League Pass rankings (50:35), if a star will get moved at the trade deadline (59:48), and MVP favorites (1:12:34). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Raja and Howard are back with a New Year's Eve edition of 'Real Ones.' Raja explains what it’s like to play on New Year's (1:03). The Sacramento Kings have fired yet another coach in Mike Brown, who won Coach of the Year in 2023. Should De’Aaron Fox and the players take some accountability for Brown's firing, and where does this revolving coaching door come from with the Kings (7:40)? The Lakers and Nets traded D’Angelo Russell and Dorian Finney-Smith, along with some picks. Will DFS help the Lakers improve and contend for a title? And why can’t DLo find a permanent home (29:00)? Plus, Cliff’s Sixers are rolling and a mailbag! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Howard Beck and Raja Bell Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin and Wos are joined by Kirk Goldsberry to discuss the D’Angelo Russell trade and what the ceiling is for the Lakers now (3:15). Then, they talk about Kirk's piece on TheRinger.com about what kind of player LeBron James is now. They also give their thoughts on the Russell trade from the Nets' perspective, and whether Brooklyn has more trades to make (27:36). They wrap up with their thoughts on the Kings firing Mike Brown and if that will change anything in Sacramento (41:36). Hosts: Justin Verrier and Wosny Lambre Guest: Kirk Goldsberry Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard and Raja are joined by three-time NBA champion Danny Green. They recorded before the Sacramento Kings fired Mike Brown so they started with talking about whether they have any concerns about the viewership in the NBA after an exciting Christmas Day slate (7:03). Then they discuss the trade rumors around De’Aaron Fox and Jimmy Butler and how that impacts their team (37:15). Later, they wrap up with Luka Doncic's injury and how it adds to the list of guys that will potentially be ineligible for post season awards (53:13). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Howard Beck and Raja Bell Guest: Danny Green Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos start this holiday-themed episode by discussing the news around De’Aaron Fox and whether he could leave Sacramento and where he could go. Then, they bring their grievances to the table for NBA Festivus. They discuss the All-Star Game format, the second apron, and much more.The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard Beck is joined by The Ringer’s Tyler Parker to discuss the NBA Christmas Day schedule and why the Thunder are not playing that day (5:30). Then they discuss Tyler’s experience at the NBA Cup and whether he had any takeaways from the Thunder’s Finals loss against the Bucks. They wrap up by comparing this iteration of the Thunder to past teams (39:00) and quickly giving their thoughts on the new All-Star game format (1:06:10). Howard is then joined by two-time NBA dunk contest champion and reigning G-League MVP Mac McClung to get into his experiences as a two-way player on the Orlando Magic (1:17:24). They also talk about what it’s like to have that documented on “The Break”. Mac later touches on whether he’ll be defending his dunk contest title again. Host: Howard Beck Guests: Tyler Parker and Mac McClung Producer: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos start by discussing the Bucks' impressive blowout win over the Thunder in the NBA Cup final (2:45). Then they pivot to the rest of the league and each talk about one story line they’ll be watching now that the NBA Cup is over (48:04). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard is joined by the legend Raja Bell to talk predictions! With the NBA Cup final approaching, they give predictions and talk about what being in the final tells them about the Bucks and Thunder (7:00). After, they talk about the potential impacts from the Schröder trade (26:20), and give their forecasts on the unofficial start of the trade season and the players they’d like to see dealt (38:20). Then, they end the show with a mailbag about the winner mentality and the difference between offense in football and in basketball (46:45). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Host: Howard Beck Guest: Raja Bell Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices